Review: A fresh, invigorating ‘West Side Story’

PITTSFIELD, MASS. » “West Side Story” playing at Barrington Stage Company through September 1, is a flawless production of a nearly perfect Broadway musical.

The integration of song, lyrics and story, dance is so united that it almost creates a sense of euphoria.

What is magical about this effort is that director Julianne Boyd and choreographer Robert La Fosse are replicating the original 1957 staging. Wisely, they do not strive to improve on perfection. Yet, this production is so fresh and invigorating it makes you feel as if you are seeing the show for the first time.

“West Side Story,” is defined by the music of Leonard Bernstein. The score is amazing and the music is made even better through the lyrics of Stephen Sondheim. Just to hear the opening words “I just met a girl named Maria,” triggers the plaintiff emotions connected with young love. “Something’s Coming” seethes with hope, coupled with foreboding tension and “Tonight,” is a wonderful ode to consummated love. Even the few songs in the second act – like “Gee, Officer Krupke” - that fail to move the story forward are delightful gems.

However, in performance it is the Jerome Robbins dance scenes that elevates “West Side Story” from great to genius. They are visually beautiful and breathless in their beauty as the dancing makes ballet seem the dance of the average guy.

Speaking of genius, choreographer La Fosse, a protégé of Robbins and a former principle dancer with American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet, somehow reproduces Robbins’ original choreography, yet makes it his own. I can only explain the phenomena by using a baseball analogy. It’s like a new manager who takes a talented group of individual athletes and transforms them into an amazing team.

Make no mistake about it, in Pittsfield the stage is filled with superb athletic dancers. This is an amazing group of dancersinger-actors who are not only dynamic, graceful and powerful - they are storytellers. They create characters and develop situations through movement.

With guidance from La Fosse, each dance number adds to the story being told. The prologue clearly sets up the tension between the rival gangs, the colorful dance at the gym builds on that by including females as it describes the community’s social structure, and the rumble scene brings to fruition the release of all that tension and hatred. In between the tense numbers, vibrant moments like “America” and “Cool” are visual treats.

As for this updated story based on Shakespeare’s play “Romeo & Juliet,” the leads are ideal as the tragic lovers. Addie Morales is enchanting as Maria. As Tony, Will Branner has the boy next door charm that distinguishes him from the other members of the Jets. The two bring an emotional honesty to a story about love at first sight. Skyer Volpe continues the tradition of elevating the supporting role of Anita into a leading character.

The theme in the show that makes it so valid in today’s world is the violence stems from tribal alliances. The work of Tyler Hanes as Riff, the leader of the Jets, and Sean Ewing as Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks, find the tragicflaw in each man as their machoism dooms them. The gang members are individually excellent and the supporting adult roles are played to perfection.

Costumes are vivid, the set is great and the orchestra, conducted by Darren R. Cohen, makes the melodies even more beautiful and his synchronization to the dazzling dance numbers is dazzling in its own right.

“West Side Story” at Barrington Stage Company is a marvelous production that plays through September 1. It should not be missed. For tickets and schedule information call (413) 236-8888 or go to barringtonstageco.org